The City of Nelson, The Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Kootenay, the community partners, were asked to select and invite the community participants. These participants were to be 50% business people, 25% local leaders and 25% citizens, representing a diversity of interests, ages and perspectives in the community. On January 27 & February 3, 2004, 37 citizens of Nelson participated in Phase 1 of the BVI. This report summarizes the first phase of the BVI. Phase 1 included the assessment of the community’s apparent small business resources and potential through a survey and a focus group session. Phase 2 will be open to the entire community with the purpose of setting priorities for improvement, and jump starting the community to action. Phase 2 will be held on April 1, 2004 at the Osprey Room – Best Western Inn from 6 to 9 pm.